What’s this? Just another one of those lists of things to do, read, watch, experience before you leave this mortal coil? Yeah, I think about this more now that I’m over 60, but this list of what to read is worth the read.
I’ve always considered myself to be fairly well read.
And then I run across lists like this one in the Gentleman’s Journal and I realize I need to spend a little more time curled up with a good book (or two … or more). Author Izzie Price has currated a little list of books you should read before you can’t read no more … as in you’re dead.
It’s a good list. Although I’m not crazy about the literal (or literary) deadline. To be honest, I’m a little embarrased to admit I haven’t read a single one of the recommended books.
And I’ve got a pretty decent library.
Still, it’s probably a good thing I figure out a way to insert a little more fiction into my reading regimen which is usually full of corresopndence, business/marketing analysis, non-fiction, philosophy, and politics. For a guy who spends time creating content and coming up with new ideas on a “for hire” basis, I don’t think I read enough material that stretches my imagination.
Why is that?
It might be that a lot of fiction I do read doesn’t meet my expectations. Maybe I read things too critically, but I don’t think that’s my real problem. I think the real problem I have is that once I get over 100 pages into a book, I feel “invested” and am determined to finish it – even if I think it’s garbage.
That’s on me. I get it. I need to learn how to “drop the chalupa” and back away. But I feel bad for the author who, I’m sure, put his or her heart and soul into writing those 350 pages (or more) of thin plotlines, nonsensical dialogue and gratuitous (albeit poorly described) sex and/or violence.
So maybe it’s time I upgrade my reading list? This article seemed like as good a place as any to start.
The list
So fire up your Amazon account and break out your cheaters, because here’s Izzie’s shopping list for you to finish before you’re finished (and no, binging these movies on Netflix or Amazon Prime doesn’t count) …
- The Great Gatsby – by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- On The Road – by Jack Kerouac
- Half of a Yellow Sun – by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Atonement – by Ian McEwan
- Rebecca – by Daphne du Maurier
- Crying in H Mart – by Michelle Zuner
- The Age of Innocence – by Edith Wharton
- Why I”m No Longer Talking to White People About Race – by Reni Eddo-Lodge
- The Talented Mr. Ripley – by Patricia Highsmith
- The Color Purple – by Alice Walker
- Delight – by JB Priestley
- Reasons to Stay Alive – by Matt Haig
- A Gentleman in Moscow – by Amor Towles
- Never Let Me Go -by Kazu Ishiguro
- And Then There Were None – by Agatha Christie
- The Handmaid’s Tale – by Margaret Atwood
- Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly – by Anthony Bourdain
What makes your list?
Is your favorite recommendation not on this list? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll publish another list at some point in the future.
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